NASAL POD ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A nasal pod assembly is disclosed that facilitates the insertion of a nasal filter pod into a user's nostril.

Claims

1. A nasal pod assembly comprising a hollow shell comprising an opening at its top and bottom, wherein the interior of the shell contains a nasal filter pod comprising a porous continuous membrane disposed over a support structure defining a three-dimensional hollow shape, wherein the top half of the shell forms a hermetic contact with an air passage way wall after insertion of the nasal pod assembly into a user's nostril.

2. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the top of the shell is wider than its bottom.

3. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the top half of the shell comprises a bulb-like feature.

4. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises silicon or rubber.

5. The nasal pod assembly of claim 2, wherein the shell is assembled onto a solid base.

6. The nasal pod assembly of claim 3, wherein the solid base forms a ring.

7. The nasal pod assembly of claim 3, wherein the base is made of plastic and/or metal.

8. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the nasal filter pod assembly is adhered, glued, bonded, snapped, threaded, pressed, magnetically or mechanically attached to the shell.

9. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane is continuous.

10. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises pores having a diameter of about 1-25 microns.

11. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises pores having a diameter of about 50-500 microns.

12. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises pores having a diameter of about 50-300 nanometers.

13. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises pores having a diameter of about 0.1-5 mm.

14. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises natural fibers and/or synthetic fibers, said synthetic fibers comprising at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone (PES), polyvinylidene (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), polyamide (nylon), carbon fibers, activated carbon, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate (collodion), mixed-cellulose esters (MCE), i.e., a mixture of cellulose nitrate/acetate fibers, polycarbonate, polypropylene (PP), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane (PU) and polyvinylchloride (PVC).

15. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane is fabricated by electrospin blowing, fiber weaving, foam casting, injection molding, compression molding or vacuum forming.

16. The nasal pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the nasal pod further comprises a filler material disposed within the hollow cavity, wherein said filler material is made of woven mesh fabric, foam, non-woven mesh plastic or fabric, a sponge, cotton wool or synthetic material.

17. The nasal pod assembly of claim 9, wherein the filler material is imbibed with volatile compound comprises an extract, oil or medicament.

18. The nasal pod assembly of claim 10, wherein the medicament treats a chronic respiratory disease.

19. The nasal pod assembly of claim 11, wherein the chronic respiratory disease is asthma.

20. A method for filtering air inhaled through a user's nose comprising inserting the nasal pod assembly of claim 1 into each of a user's nostril.

21. The nasal pod of claim 1, where each individual pod inserted into a nostril is a separate item not physically connected to the pod inserted into the second nostril.

22. The nasal pod of claim 1, where individual pods inserted into each nostril are physically connected.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] FIGS. 1A and 1B show exemplary perspective views of certain embodiments of a nasal pod assembly.

[0045] FIGS. 2A and 2B show exemplary perspective views of certain embodiments of a nasal pod shell.

[0046] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary side view of the nasal pod assembly inserted into a user's nostril.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary cross-section view of the nasal pod assembly inserted into a user's nostril.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary front view of the nasal pod assembly inserted into a user's nostril.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0050] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the, are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0051] The phrase and/or, as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean either or both of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to A and/or B, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as comprising can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0052] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase at least one, in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase at least one refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, at least one of A and B (or, equivalently, at least one of A or B, or, equivalently at least one of A and/or B) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0053] When the term about is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below those numerical values. In general, the term about is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1%. In certain embodiments, the term about is used to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 10%. In certain embodiments, the term about is used to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 5%. In certain embodiments, the term about is used to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 1%.

[0054] When a range of values is listed herein, it is intended to encompass each value and sub-range within that range. For example, 1-5 ng is intended to encompass 1 ng, 2 ng, 3 ng, 4 ng, 5 ng, 1-2 ng, 1-3 ng, 1-4 ng, 1-5 ng, 2-3 ng, 2-4 ng, 2-5 ng, 3-4 ng, 3-5 ng, and 4-5 ng.

[0055] It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising, includes, and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0056] As used herein, the terms treat, treatment or treating refer to therapeutic treatments, wherein the object is to reverse, alleviate, ameliorate, inhibit, slow down or stop the progression or severity of a disorder, e.g. a respiratory disorder. The term treating includes reducing or alleviating at least one adverse effect or symptom of a condition, disease or disorder associated with a disorder, e.g. a respiratory disorder. Treatment is generally effective if one or more symptoms or clinical markers are reduced. Alternatively, treatment is effective if the progression of the disorder is reduced or halted. That is, treatment includes not just the improvement of symptoms or markers, but also a cessation of, or at least slowing of, progress or worsening of symptoms compared to what would be expected in the absence of treatment. Beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, alleviation of one or more symptom(s), diminishment of extent of disease, stabilized (i.e., not worsening) state of disease, delay or slowing of disease progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease state, remission (whether partial or total), and/or decreased mortality, whether detectable or undetectable. The term treatment also includes providing relief from the symptoms or side-effects of a disorder, e.g. a respiratory disorder (including palliative treatment).

[0057] In certain embodiments, the terms treat, treatment or treating refer to therapeutic treatments, wherein the object is to reverse, alleviate, ameliorate, inhibit, slow down or stop the progression or severity of a disorder that is not a respiratory disorder. The term treating includes reducing or alleviating at least one adverse effect or symptom of a condition, disease or disorder associated with a disorder that is not a respiratory disorder. For example, the filler material may comprise a medicament for the treatment of a disorder that is not a respiratory disorder.

[0058] Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

[0059] A nasal pod assembly is disclosed comprising a reverse flared cone shaped shell comprising an opening at its top and bottom and a bulb-like feature, wherein the interior of the shell contains a nasal filter pod comprising a porous continuous membrane disposed over a support structure defining a three-dimensional hollow shape, wherein the bulb-like feature of the shell forms a hermetic contact with the air passage way after insertion of the nasal pod assembly into a user's nostril.

[0060] FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary perspective view of a 3-dimensional nasal filter pod 8 having a top 1, side 2, bottom entrance 10 and an interior cavity 9. The porous membrane 7 can have a flange 3 that attaches to a circular support base 5. Protrusions 4 at the periphery of the circular support base 5 help to keep the nasal filter pod in place after insertion into the nasal cavity.

[0061] FIG. 1B shows an exemplary perspective view of a 3-dimensional nasal filter pod 8 showing the support structure 6 beneath the porous membrane 7.

[0062] FIG. 2A depicts a side view of a nasal pod shell 11 having a top 12, bottom 13, neck 14, collar 16 and a bulb-like feature 15.

[0063] FIG. 2B depicts an elevated perspective view of a nasal pod shell 11 showing its hollow interior.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the shell 11 is made of a soft material such as silicon or rubber.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the shell 11 has the shape of an inverse flared cone, with the top part of the shell 12 having a bulb-like feature 15 with a center hollow section containing a nasal filter pod 8 and optionally a filler material. Once inserted into a user's nostril, inhaled air enters through the bottom of the nose pod assembly 13, optionally through a filler material, across the porous membrane 7 before exiting out the top 12.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the nose pod assembly comprises a bottom solid collar 16 made of metal or plastic, to which the soft material, e.g. a nose pod filter 7 is adhered, glued, bonded or mechanically attached.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the nose pod assembly is inserted in the nose where its shape, material and construction help to keep the assembly in place within the air passage way.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the nose pod assembly's ring, bulb, or otherwise specific profile at the top of the device helps to make a hermetic contact with the air passage way wall thus ensuring all inhaled passes through its center and across the porous membrane 7 and optionally the filler material.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the nose pod assembly's profile is widest at its top 12, while the bottom 13 is smaller in size.

[0070] In certain embodiments previously cited bulb geometry, design and material are aimed at reducing the amount of necessary sizes to conform to all shapes and nose sizes.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the filter assembly 8 may be attached to the pod 11 may a mechanism including, but not limited to, press fit, slip fit, adhesive, threading or magnetic attachment or any other attachment mechanism that allows the user to assemble or dis-assemble the two components.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 can be manufactured with an electro spin blowing manufacturing process to form a flat 2D membrane that can be molded into a 3-dimensional structure.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 can be manufactured by a process including, but not limited to, fiber weaving, foam casting, injection molding, compression molding or vacuum forming.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 comprises natural and/or synthetic fibers.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the synthetic fibers includes, but is not limited to, at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone (PES), polyvinylidene (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), mixed-cellulose esters (MCE), polyimide (nylon), natural fibers, carbon fibers, or activated carbon, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate (collodion), mixed-cellulose esters (MCE, i.e., a mixture of cellulose nitrate/acetate fibers), polycarbonate, polypropylene (PP), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane (PU) and polyvinylchloride (PVC). In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 may comprise chitosan, collagen, polylactic acid (PLA) and/or Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA).

[0076] In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 can include activated carbon conferring electrostatic charge to the membrane.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 can include silver ions and silver nanoparticles to increase the antimicrobial effect of the overall filtration against bacteria and viruses.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the inhaled air comprises allergens, dust particles, viruses, pollution particles such as the ones classified under the particulate matter, pm2.5 denomination, and/or airborne particles resulting of combustion such as the ones resulting from forest fires.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 can have a 3-dimensional (3D) structure, in that it is not limited to a single shape that is cut-out, formed or created as part of or from a two (2) dimensional substrate, such as sheet of paper or a sheet of foam.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 can have a 3-dimensional shape that creates a maximum surface area for air to flow through, thus decreasing the pressure drop between the air pressure at the entrance of the nasal filter 10 and the pressure at the top 1 of the nasal filter pod 8.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the 3-dimensional shape defines a hollow cavity 9.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the structural integrity of the nasal filter pod 8 can be re-enforced by a support structure 6 on which the porous membrane 7 can be seated or inserted, stuffed, trapped, encapsulated, merged, woven, or other any means of attachment.

[0083] In certain embodiments, methods of attaching the porous membrane 7 to the support structure 6 and/or support 5 include, but are not limited to, gluing, bonding, heat staking, melting, friction welding, vibration welding, sonic welding or insert molding (also referred to as overmolding).

[0084] In certain embodiment, the porous membrane 7 can have pores with an average diameter of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20 or 25 microns.

[0085] In certain embodiment, the porous membrane 7 can have pores with an average diameter ranging from 50 to 300 nm.

[0086] In certain embodiment, the porous membrane 7 can have pores with an average diameter ranging 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0087] In certain embodiment, the porous membrane 7 can have a thickness of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 mm.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the porous membrane 7 can be continuous, e.g., made from a single piece of material.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the hollow cavity 9 of the nasal filter pod 8 may contain a porous filler material.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the porous filler material can be made of, for example, a porous woven mesh fabric, foam, non-woven mesh plastic or fabric, a sponge, cotton wool and/or synthetic material.

[0091] In certain embodiment, the filler material can have pores with an average diameter of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20 or 25 microns.

[0092] In certain embodiment, the filler material can have an average diameter ranging from 50 to 300 nm.

[0093] In certain embodiment, the filler material can have pores with an average diameter ranging 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the porous filler material can contain volatile compound such as an oil extract, vapor, scented powder or liquid and/or medicament that is slowly released into the air inhaled through the user's nostril.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the porous filler material can be imbibed with a powdered or liquid medication, for example, for the treatment of a chronic respiratory illness such as asthma.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the porous filler material containing a medicament may be transferrable to devices such as masks or air-purifier like products.

[0097] In certain embodiments, said nasal filter assembly 8 may further comprise a wired mesh, a hole drilled surface pattern or any other geometry that substantially covers the open end of the nasal filter and reduces the flow of air across the nasal filter.

[0098] Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.